As a young man, Christopher Fisher, the Blind Woodturner, lost his eyesight. Four years later, he decided he wanted to learn to turn wood.

As a young man, Christopher Fisher, the Blind Woodturner, lost his eyesight. Four years later, when he decided he wanted to learn to turn wood he listened to close to 600 hours of You Tube videos in order to teach himself. Today he gives woodturning demonstrations and lectures hoping to inspire and motivate others.

John Furniss, also known as the Blind Woodsman, lost his eyesight at the age of 16. During his time at the School for the Blind in Salt Lake City, Utah, he met a blind woodshop teacher who changed his life. John says he learned more than woodworking: the teacher also inspired John’s creativity and gave him the confidence to create beautiful things.

“I always like to say I was really born the day I became blind,” John said. “I am so much more patient, peaceful and zen now. I tend to think things through, and try to be logical and go with the flow”.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

Member Exclusives

At first glance, Charles Limbert’s designs might look similar to other Arts and Crafts furniture, but his work has distinct details that make his pieces stand out from other designs of the genre. Jonathan Binzen breaks out what makes Limbert’s designs unique.